Stick it to the Man Review

Developer: Zoink Games
Size: 861MB
Players: 1

The reason I own a Switch is down to this game, and the kind folks at Zoink. But, if Stick it to the Man sucked, I would still say so. However, from the first intro, it is fair to say that you can see the love and craft that has gone into Stick it to the Man.

More like a work of art, its one of those games along with Captain Blood, Rayman and Okami that sucks you into its world thanks to the characterisation, animation and gorgeous art style. The whole package radiates love and attention to detail. And, when you get playing, there are plenty of quirks that make SittM so much more than just a pretty platformer.

In fact, its more like an adventure game bolted into the shoes of a platfomer, with plenty of leaping and jumping to find the parts of the current puzzle, or to explore new areas. As a port of a PC game, there's little use of the Switch's unique features, but Stick it... feels like such a luxury production, that few will mind.

An extra hand?

Talking of minds, in the early going our hero, Ray Doewood, is struck by a mystery missile from a military transport and granted the power of a ghostly arm emanating from his head. He can use it to reach up to high handholds, read the minds of the people around him and pull down bits of scenery to reveal puzzles.

With its peculiar jazz soundtrack, and hints of undead-ness there's a fair reminder of Manny and his cohorts in Grim Fandango. But the 10 short chapters of puzzling adventure are great fun and inspired, bringing a chuckle to gamers of all ages (my daughter loves it too). Using stickers that are often hidden behind peel-able walls, to solve the puzzles, its pretty much find-and-give gameplay, but done so stylishly, that its a joy to be along for this ride.

Stick it... may not be massively long, and is pretty linear with plenty of save points. But it feels low-rent sumptuous, like being wrapped in a thick duvet with hot chocolate and bacon on tap.

Score 4/5